(CNS Local Life): The lengthy careers of two of Kirkconnell Community Care Centre’s (KCCC) longest serving staff members were celebrated by colleagues, management and government representatives at a retirement luncheon held Thursday, 9 February. Carmen Francis and Yvonne Earle were honoured for their dedicated service of more than 25 and 19 years, respectively, with speeches, gifts and a buffet.

Minister of Community Affairs Osbourne Bodden, Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker, Assistant Chief Officer Joel Francis and the head of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Felicia Robinson, each spoke at the event.

Supervisor Frances Clyne said both retirees had given unstintingly during careers at the 30-bed residential facility for Brac’s senior citizens, stated a government press release.

Popular evening and night-shift workers with colleagues and residents alike, they were acknowledged as hardworking and conscientious.

Francis worked in home care for the DCFS before the centre was built. Once the facility opened she transferred over. An exuberant and energetic caregiver, she was told that she would be most remembered for her lively and outgoing ways.

Bodden, in outlining his ministry’s appreciation for her years’ of service, said he was grateful for “the meticulous care she gave to her clients”. He also told the gathering that he was assured that she would be “a tough act to follow”.

Earle was said to be quieter than her colleague but equally valued for her “sterling contributions and her unflappability in an emergency”. She was also thanked for her “willingness to pitch in at a moment’s notice”, when called on to cover for other staff.

Both received gifts from their colleagues, as well as floral baskets, awards and cards from the ministerial team.

The most poignant part of the ceremony was a speech for Francis given by her friend and colleague Sonia Creary. Her co-worker at the centre’s Tibbetts Annex said, “This phase in life is not about giving up, losing yourself, slowing down or feeling old. Retirement is about enjoying the longest holiday of life. It’s about doing what you want to do, when you want to do it, where you want to do it and how you want to do it.”

What’s Happening in the Cayman Islands

The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) offices will be closed on Wednesday, 18 September, to facilitate a staff meeting, training and team building exercises. All DVDL offices will resume business as usual on Thursday, 19 September.

The National Conservation Council will hold a general meeting on Wednesday, 11 September, starting at 2pm at the Government Administration Building room 2112 (2nd floor). The agenda for the meeting is attached below.

On Monday, 9 September, Fort Street will be closed between Harbour Drive and the junction with Edward Street (Clock Tower) in order to facilitate the Laying in State of the late John McLean, MLA. The closure will take place from 7:45am to 8:30am and again from 3:15pm to 4:00pm.

The Customs and Border Control Service (CBC) would like to inform customers of UPS who may be experiencing delays with receiving their imported goods that the delays are not caused by CBC. They are the result of a private commercial issue between two local on-island agents that provide services for UPS.

The Protocol Office requests individuals, businesses and organisations, who wish to lower their flags to half-mast ahead of the funeral of the late John McLean, MLA, to do so at 9.05am on Monday, 9 September.

The Cayman Islands Seafarers Association reminds all members that the September Social will take place on Tuesday 17 September at 7:00pm in the Seafarer’s Hall, 11 Victory Ave, Prospect. It is expected that all will wear their CISA shirts.

WORC (Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman) would like to inform the public that the extended hours offered on Wednesdays at the Immigration Headquarters will end as of Monday, 30 September. Normal office hours from 8:30am to 4:00pm will resume thereafter.

The Mercuryman Triathlon takes place on Sunday, 8 September, starting at 6:45am at Eden Rock on South Church Street, George Town. The bike portion of the event will begin in front of Eden Rock and participants will travel to East End via South Sound Road, Shamrock Road, Bodden Town Road, Sea View Road and the […]

The Department of Planning in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure will host an information session on the planning application and permit process at the Family Life Centre on Thursday, September 5, 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The aim of the session will be to provide information and guidance on the planning process […]

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